Elevate Ministry at Willow Creek South Barrington Church

Elevate helps middle school students begin and grow a relationship with Jesus Christ in a fun, engaging environment. We welcome you to explore offerings at all Willow campuses. Click on your preferred location below.

Select a Willow Creek Location

Elevate at Willow South Barrington

We exist to help Jr. Highers follow Jesus. We believe that Jr. High schoolers are incredibly important to build into—and that they are a big part of the church. And although we are now virtual, we would still love to connect with you!

Incoming 6th Graders: Get ready for Elevate!

April 11 & 18: Elevate visits Promiseland
During the 9 and 11:15 services, Elevate staff will visit the Grade 4/5 room in Promiseland for some games and fun. We’d love to see your 5th grader there!

May 4 & 5, 7 p.m.: Virtual Parent Meeting
Connect with the Elevate staff on zoom about all things Elevate and 5th grade move up.

May 16: 5th grade Elevate Tours
Immediately following the 9 and 11:15 services, you and your 5th grader will have a chance to come and get a fun tour of the Elevate space and play some of Elevate favorite games! There might me some Elevate swag involved too! Sign up is required and you can do that HERE. (NOTE FOR MARCOM - we will have a registration link soon and I will send it to you to put here)

June 6: Move Up Sunday!
New 6th graders first Sunday in Elevate will be AWESOME! Students can come to the 9 or 11:15 service and stay after service for the 6th grade Afterparty! More details to come.

Students (Grades 6-8)

Connect with Elevate Virtual Small Groups: Fill out the Parent/Guardian Permission here, then contact your small group leader or email [email protected] to get started.
Watch Elevate Content: YouTube @WillowStudents
Follow daily Instagram posts @ElevateWC

Parents

Subscribe to the Elevate e-news here
Get updates on our Parent Facebook page
Join our Parent Facebook Group
Small group guidelines here
Small group permission form here

Baptism

Parents if your student is interested in being baptized, download this amazing guide and walk them through what baptism is all about.

Find us on Instagram (@elevatewc) and YouTube (youtube.com/willowstudents) to stay connected!
Find us on Instagram and YouTube for updates and to stay connected!

Experience Elevate

Watch Willow Students on YouTube!

Parent Facebook Group

Connect on Instagram!

Questions? Contact Elevate!

Service Times

Sundays
9 & 11:15 a.m.

(224) 512-2323
[email protected]

67 Algonquin Rd
South Barrington, IL 60010

Open Campus Map

Upcoming Events

SBR Not So L8 Nite 8Nite

May 7 @ 7:00 PM

More Info

See All Upcoming Events

Meet the Staff

Gretchen Dedina
Gretchen is the Director of Elevate and unofficially the director of confetti cannons. She loves making it personal for middle school students so they can experience the life changing love of God. Other than being Seattle Seahawks super fan, she is known for her sugar cookie skills and her energetic personality. You'll find her right in the mix of all the fun every weekend at Elevate with our amazing students and small group leaders.

Contact Gretchen
Rachael Judson
Rachael joined the Elevate team as a Group Life Pastor July 2019. She served as a small group leader for several years prior to joining staff and was an Elevate student herself! Besides hanging out with awesome middle school students every weekend, Rachael loves seeing how much they grow over their time in Elevate. When she’s not working, you’ll find Rachael hanging out with friends or drinking coffee and reading a good book.

Email Rachael
Katie Andre
Katie Andre is the Director of Operations for Elevate. If she has a meaningful task, a spreadsheet, and a coffee, she is in her happy place! Her life outside of work is focused on her family, and loves to read and run if she can find the time.

Contact Katie
Ian MacDonald
Ian is the Creative Producer for Elevate. Having served in middle school ministries for many years, Ian values creating an environment where jr. highers can have fun, make friends, explore their faith, and express their creativity. Fun fact: Ian thinks Detroit style pizza is better than Chicago style pizza.

Email Ian
Mario Gonzalez
Mario is the Student Ministries Worship Leader. He brings great energy to Elevate and his love for students is apparent in his leadership. A fun fact about Mario is that he is an owner of many chickens (300+) and goats.

Email Mario
Joe Canady
Joe joined Elevate’s staff as a youth pastor in June 2020. Joe loves to support, equip and cheer small group leaders on as they use their time and gifts to walk alongside students in some of the most important years of their lives. When he isn’t working out or running, you can usually find Joe, catching rams and lakers games on tv or watching a reality tv show like Survivor or Big Brother.

Email Joe
Ruth French
Ruth is the Operations Administrator at Elevate. She loves serving alongside our volunteers to help create a space where our students can learn and grow in their faith. Ruth also really loves to travel. Whether it's skiing out West or eating blueberries and watching black bears in Northern Minnesota, she is ready for adventure!

Email Ruth